A celebration today marked the signing of the second Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement for the Bulkley Valley school district.

There are 560 Aboriginal students in the district making up 25 per cent of the overall student population, and this new agreement brings a fresh vision to the work of supporting Aboriginal learner success.

The Aboriginal Nations Education Council for the district has dedicated two years of consultation and dialogue to the creation of "'ALHK'IKH HËDILH' WALKING TOGETHER: A Framework for the Enhancement of Aboriginal Education in the Bulkley Valley."

Today's celebration at the Moricetown Multiplex featured the 'Ewh Ayowh Hozdlï Dance Group, who shared Witsuwit'en Songs, including sharing the origin of the songs.

Since the first agreement was signed, important content has been added to the district's curriculum including:

• An eight week unit called "We are Witsuwit'en" that culminates in a district-wide Grade 4 Feast in the Witsuwit'en Community.
• The history and impact of Indian Residential schools in all Grade 7 classrooms through "Untold History: Understanding the Impact of Indian Residential Schools on Canada's Aboriginal People."
• The in-depth history of the local Witsuwit'en culture from the 380-page "Niwhts'ide'nï Hibi'it'ën: The Ways of Our Ancestors," created to integrate Witsuwit'en ways of knowing into the Grade 7 to Grade 12 curricula.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

"Aboriginal Enhancement Agreements continue to yield dividends for Aboriginal students throughout the province and I want to congratulate all those who have come together in support of students in the Bulkley Valley."

Les Kearns, Bulkley Valley board chair -

"As trustees, we support the great work done by our Aboriginal Education Council. This new enhancement agreement is a result of the vision and commitment by all stakeholders and will undoubtedly result in continued educational and personal success for our Aboriginal students in addition to better understanding of Aboriginal culture by everyone in our district. Well done!"

Quick Facts:

• The Bulkley Valley school district is located on the traditional territory of the Witsuwit'en people.
• Provincial funding for Aboriginal education in 2012-13 was $63 million (through a supplement of $1,160 per student).
• Over the last 10 years, the completion rate for Aboriginal students in B.C. has increased by almost 11 per cent.
• Aboriginal enrolment in B.C. public schools for 2012-13 was 61,364 students - 10.9 per cent of the total student population.

Learn More:

Bulkley Valley School District: http://www.sd54.bc.ca/

Aboriginal education: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/abed

BC's Education Plan: www.BCEdPlan.ca

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963